by Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer
If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a smart way to give to a designated, field-of-interest, or unrestricted fund at the Community Foundation. In 2025, you can direct up to $108,000 from your IRA to several types of funds at the Community Foundation—though donor-advised funds aren’t eligible.
But what if you intended to make a QCD in 2024 and ran out of time? Maybe you even initiated one on December 31, only to find it didn’t count due to settlement delays. While you can’t retroactively apply a QCD, here’s how to move forward:
- Check Your RMD – If you were required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for 2024 and missed it, file IRS Form 5329 to request a waiver and avoid penalties.
- Plan for 2025 Now – Making your QCD early in the year helps ensure it counts toward your RMD before other taxable withdrawals, avoiding issues with the “first-dollars-out rule.” Plus, you’ll skip the year-end rush.
Our team is here to help you and your advisors navigate QCDs and other charitable giving strategies. Let’s work together to make the most of your philanthropy in 2025!